Charles Wendell "Chuck" Howard of Ardmore, OK has gone home, leaving behind a circle of those who loved him.
Below, a small portrait of a life that will not soon be forgotten.
Charles held deeply to the Baptist faith — and was, by all accounts, loved by those who knew him best.
Service is its own kind of love — quiet, steady, often unseen.
Charles "Chuck" Wendell Howard, 85, passed from this life on May 5, 2026, at his home in Ardmore,
Oklahoma, surrounded by those who loved him. He was born on January 7, 1941, in Elmore City, Oklahoma, to Lester Charles Howard and Nancy Vena Elizabeth Paralee Cassell Howard.
Charles grew up in Elmore City, Oklahoma, where he enjoyed playing basketball and spending time working cotton farms alongside his grandpa. From an early age, he loved tinkering with things, riding in old cars, and keeping life interesting with his mischievous personality. He was active in his local FFA chapter and graduated from high school in Gerty, Oklahoma. In 1959, he left Elmore City and enlisted in the Army as a Radio Operator. After returning in 1961, he became a proud father and family man to Chip and Jared Howard, and in 1982 to Scott Woods.
In 1982, Charles met the love of his life, Rebecca Ann "Becky" Bostick Howard, while they were working
together at Central Explorations. They were married on February 19, 1998, in Fort Smith, Arkansas, and
shared a total of 44 wonderful years together filled with adventure, hard work, laughter, and love.
Charles worked in many places across the country, including California, Colorado, Missouri, Arkansas, and
Michigan, among others. Throughout his life, he wore many hats and was never afraid of hard work. His
careers included insurance salesman, contacting landowners for seismic drilling, drilling work, greyhound
racing, car sales, truck driving, and finally operating a Highway Contract Mail Route before retiring in 2022
following a bout with COVID. No matter the job, Charles gave it his all.
He was happiest after moving back to Elmore City to be close to his boys and family. Charles was a member of Elmore City First Baptist Church and loved his family and community. He enjoyed raising animals, fishing, reading, and spending time with friends at the local coffee shop. Charles especially loved the books of Louis L'Amour, often rereading his favorites and marking each completed book with an "X, " with some titles having as many as three or four marks. He also enjoyed keeping up with current events by watching Fox News and listening to NPR while on the road.
One of Charles ' unique passions was raising racing greyhounds, at one time caring for nearly 150 dogs on
their property. Family members still laugh about the day nearly 50 greyhounds unexpectedly appeared on the school playground with Scott. Charles also treasured time spent on their beloved boat, the Doodlebugger, and at one point dreamed of becoming a striper-fishing guide.
More than anything, Charles will be remembered for his generous heart, his patience, and the unconditional love he gave so freely. He never met a stranger and would gladly give someone the shirt off his back. He taught his children what it meant to be truly loved, never allowing any child to feel unwanted or left out. His kindness, humor, and steadfast presence touched countless lives. Charles leaves behind a legacy of hard work, devotion to family, and a life fully lived. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
Charles is survived by his wife of the home, Rebecca Howard; Son, Scott Woods and wife Jaclyn of Ardmore, Oklahoma; Grandchildren, Caleb Howard and wife Destiny of Edmond, Oklahoma, Bethany Anderson and husband Patrick of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Jordan Howard of Sand Springs, Oklahoma, Caleb Jones and wife Amanda of Ada, Oklahoma, Miranda Jones of Lexington, Oklahoma, Trent Boswell of Ardmore, Oklahoma, Eli Woods of Ardmore, Oklahoma; Great-grandchildren, Avery Howard, Copper Anderson, Remington Pope, Hudson Jones; several nieces and nephews; and a host of other family and friends.
Charles was preceded in death by his sons, Charles "Chip" Howard and Jared James Howard; Parents, Lester Charles Howard and Vena Elizabeth Howard; Brother, Billy Ray Howard; and Sister, Nellie Alice Niblett.
Services for Charles will be on Thursday, May 7, 2026 at 2:00 P.M. at the First Baptist Church in Elmore City, Oklahoma with Jimmy Balentine officiating. Visitation for Charles will be on Wednesday, May 6, 2026 from 10:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M. with family to accept friends from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM. If you would like to send your condolences to the family you may do so at www.woosterfuneralhomes.com
